Viticulture in Valcalepio, this is the hashtag : #ilvalcalepioècambiato

For those who still do not know, The hashtag is an English word made up of 'hash tag', which in Italian means gate and label. In practice, a gate placed in front of a word becomes a label, aggregating arguments with the same interest and the same key discussion.

Well, this is the point from which: #ilvalcalepioècambiato. E 'changed in quality that people want to convey the protagonists of these lands with their productions. Knowing them will help you understand the will and determination that are intended to achieve this objective.

Tuesday 23 September, I attended a press tour dedicated to viticulture in Valcalepio. The protagonists of the Association visited two wineries ‘Women of Wine‘, from twenty-five years that combines the management of women with wine enterprises. Due Lord of Valcalepio that have reinvented themselves in viticulture for love and family tradition.

Cristina Kettlitz and Martha Mondonico, The Lord of Valcalepio

A day of September warmed by the sun and a good company, began with a visit to the estate of the Castle of Grumello. Which, with pleasure, I saw him waving the Italian flag.

I would like to see it wherever there is a source of pride for the sense of belonging to a territory that we feel like our, so rich in history and natural beauty.

Valcalepio

The farm Tenuta Castello di Grumello is located between Bergamo and Lake Iseo. A reality of winemaking 37 ha, referred 18 intended for the vineyard, located on a hill where stands a majestic castle, a military fortress dating back to the 1200 belonged to Bartolomeo Colleoni.

I do mystery of my passion for history and antique weapons, for this I very much appreciated the sword of the knights, Excalibur, an original piece of the twelfth century castle in this.

Tenuta Castello di Grumello

E 'in this historic setting, a short distance from Milan, that Cristina Kettlitz, journalist and communicator, with the support winemaker Paolo Zadar, produce about 100.000 bottles of different types of Valcalepio PDO. The grape varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon present, Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Muscat of Scanzo. The training is at the back, and the planting density average is 5000 vines / hectare.

Among the wines tasted Valcalepio red Doc Riserva “Castle Grumello” 2007 and red Valcalepio Cru Reserve Colle Calvario 2005. Both Bordeaux blend (mixture of different wines by grape variety, provenance and age) Cabernet Sauvignon 60% e Merlot 40%. The first mature twelve months in barriques, and the second eighteen, with remaining in bottle. Alcohol content 13/13,5% vol. Wines of body and character.

As regards the Valcalepio Moscato Passito Docmade from Moscato grapes Scanzo, vine native to the Bergamo, la produzione di questa stagione anomala farà capire le scelte “quality” which aim producers in the area.

Tour press dedicated to viticulture in Valcalepio

The tour continued with a visit to the second cellar, the Tenuta Le Mojole located Tagliuno of Castles. Actually born in a farm 2002 about 2,30 hectares followed by the owner Martha Mondonico, first teacher and then, according to the passion of her husband, winegrower.

The vines are Merlot present, Cabernet Sauvignon and a modest presence of Syrah. Marta Female, together winemaker Paolo Posenato, in the conduct of the winery adopt natural methods respecting the environment and the person. The production is about 8.000 bottles.

Tenuta Le Mojole

La degustazione dei suoi vini è iniziata con“Donna Marta Rosa” IGP 2013 rosé of Bergamo, Merlot grapes vinified in pink. Alcohol content 12,5%. Fits menu not binding. Closer to my tastes the The Cabernet Sauvignon Mojole 2010, from selected grapes of Cabernet Sauvignon 100%. Alcohol content 13,5 eighteen months in tonneau and ten in bottle. Winner of several international competitions, including the gold medal at the Brussels World Competition 2014.

A long day of wine tasting and knowledge in an area that I would recommend to personally visit, live to appreciate the beautiful atmosphere that the words and images I have tried to convey.

Everything perfect, if it was not for the Drosophila suzukii, the gnat of berries of which has been discussed at length with Donna Marta. Farmers, already plagued by a difficult season, lacked only this unwelcome visitor Asia that officials consider the Lombardy region come from Chinese imports of cherries. I restrain myself from adding more!

I only say that is characterized by large red eyes and the female lays her eggs in the pulp of the ripe fruit, causing their subsequent deterioration. Apart from the small fruit affects the vineyards. Understand well that, within walking distance of the crop, ties the hands of farmers preventing intervene appropriately.

For sure we know who does not like high temperatures and for this reason prefers hilly areas. There are those who try to protect their crops with dense networks, and he who sprinkles of apple cider vinegar to stop the growth of the eggs. We can only hope that the studies and research can help you quickly find effective remedies to counter this latest plague suffered by farmers.